Represented: Backstage at the Crystal Agency for Makeup Hair and Fashion Styling

A Little Advice Goes a Long Way

Ending my internship at the Crystal Agency was very bittersweet. However, I have been so lucky to be given the chance to continue writing for the blog. I’m very
fortunate, because it is assisting me in the growth of my relationships with the artists, considering I’m an aspiring fashion stylist myself.

Recently, fashion stylist Hollie Williamson invited me to work on a test shoot with her a few weeks ago. I’m so grateful for her generosity and wisdom she has provided me. It is hard to stumble across people like Hollie who make it seem like your not alone in this unpredictable and tough business. Her advice has been invaluable. Here’s a recent e-mail she sent me that is quite inspiring:

“…I told you before; I started being a stylist with one single contact. Every time I had a question, I called her and she responded immediately. If it weren't for her, I would not have made it. To this day, I know I could call her if I didn't know how to do something. I mean, I got an assistant job one time and the stylist asked me to come in early to tape shoes. Of course I said, "Yes, no problem!" Then I called Cassie to see what that meant!! She literally talked me through many jobs step by step. She was/is my lifeline. You totally have that in me, and I'm sure the other girls. Don't EVER be shy to use it.”

Above are a few of our pictures from the test shoot photographed by Tate Burdick

My time is up...

Well it’s time for me to say my goodbyes as the Crystal Agency Intern. My time is up, and I’m feeling very bittersweet. Four months ago, I could have never imagined what my experience at the Crystal Agency would have in store for me. I have learned so much through this internship. Crystal and all the stylists I got to work with provided me with invaluable information about a career path as a stylist, and life in general.

My Wednesday’s and Thursday’s feel so empty, since I am not at the agency. There was never a dull moment and I had so many great experiences. I learned how to create my own blog, I had the opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes at photo shoots, I was fortunate enough to attend one of Crystal’s Building Your Portfolio Workshops, and I even worked my first paid job as a stylist's assistant. However, most importantly I created great relationships with the people around me.

I cannot even express how thankful I am that I had the chance to work with Crystal Wright. She’s an unbelievable entrepreneur, agent, teacher, listener, public speaker, mentor, and friend. Although, it’s sad to say goodbye, I know it’s only the beginning of more great opportunities to come.

Thank you so much Crystal Agency!

Fashion Stylist Melinda Tarbell Styles Teen Heart Throb Cody Linley

Ooohhh J-14, it brings me back to the good old days of 6th grade, begging my mother to buy me the teenybopper magazine for boy crazy and celebrity obsessed young girls like myself. It was my favorite magazine, because of the celebrity posters it provided within the pages. Back then, my dream was to meet my ultimate crush: Jonathon Taylor Thomas aka “JTT”, a regular in J-14 at the time. Oh those were the days!

Funny how things work out sometimes, maybe 10 years too late, but still. Recently, Crystal sent me to shadow celebrity fashion stylist Melinda Tarbell on a J-14 photo shoot with current teen heartthrob Cody Linley. Cody plays Jake Ryan, Miley Cyrus’s love interest on the Disney Channel’s hit television show “Hannah Montana”. It was a great learning experience to see what goes on and what needs to be done when styling a celebrity. Melinda is a phenomenal stylist and I felt so lucky to be apart of her work. Thanks so much Melinda!

Oh and one last thing: J-14, I blame you for beginning my unbreakable habit of spending countless amounts of money on magazines.

My First Job as a Fashion Stylist Assistant

The typical Easter Sunday for a Michigander Catholic girl like myself is usually pretty low key. Attend 12:00 p.m. mass, get together with my family, and eat. However, being my first year away from home and living in California, I had a feeling things would be different.

Crystal gave me the opportunity to work as fashion stylist Tiffani Rae’s assistant for the Faithful Central Bible Church’s Easter Sunday Production at The Forum. It was my first paid job! I could not believe it! I had many mixed feelings of excitement and anticipation. Then the nerves kicked in when I found out Grammy award-winning singer Chaka Khan was apart of the ensemble.

It was a 2-day job, Saturday helping with the dress rehearsal and Sunday was: lights, camera, action. We were also invited to watch the Easter play, and let me tell it was like nothing I have ever seen or experienced before. The dancing, singing, acting, live animals and energy generating in The Forum literally gave me goose bumps.

However, even though I’m making it sound so fabulous and great it was hard work. Working with Tiffani was an invaluable experience. And I made mistakes, but you have to LIVE and LEARN. The best taught lessons come from the mishaps. It’s okay to hit the pavement once in a while as long as you can pick yourself back up again. Thanks Tiffani, you are the best!